Choosing the Best Batting for Your Quilt
Making a quilt can be an immensely rewarding and creative endeavor. As any experienced quilter knows, choosing the right batting is key to achieving your desired finished quilt texture, loft, and feel. From my years of quilting, I’ve learned that navigating the wide variety of batting options on the market poses a common challenge for beginners and veterans alike. In this article, I’ll walk through the key considerations and provide batting recommendations to help you select the best choice for your next quilting project.
Types of Batting
Natural fiber battings like cotton and wool have been used to make quilts for generations. They have an old-fashioned, traditional feel and higher loft that mimics the puffy quilts Grandma used to make. Sort of like snuggling under a billowing cloud on a winter night. Natural fibers are breathable too. But cleaning can be tricky with cotton’s tendency to shrink.
Polyester batting offers consistent quality at an affordable price point. The fibers lack the breathability of natural battings, however the man-made materials bring durability and resilience to the quilt. This type of batting may appeal to beginning quilters.
Cotton/poly blends give a down-like softness while minimizing shrinkage. As with 100% polyester, the blend tends to be less breathable. The density provides a light-to-medium loft depending on the ratio of fibers.
Wool and wool blends make superb batting choices with natural temperature regulation. Maybe that explains why wool seems the traditional choice for baby blankets through the ages. The loft thickness ranges from low to high depending on whether you want a thinner antique-style quilt or puffier stitch-in-the-ditch design. Plus you can throw wool battings in the washer and dryer with minimal shrinking.
Key Characteristics
As you evaluate batting options, consider these key characteristics:
Test swatches of a few batting types to see how they stitch and feel after washing. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations too.
How to Choose Batting for Different Quilt Types
Here are my top batting recommendations based on the kind of quilt you want to create:
Show quilts or wall hangings – High loft polyester or cotton batting helps showcase intricate quilting stitches without compressing from repeated handling.
Heirloom or antique style quilts – Low loft cotton or wool batting gives definition to delicate quilt patterns.
Crib or baby quilts – Pick soft, natural fibers like wool that keep little ones warm and cozy without risk of beads. Check that batting choice meets safety standards.
Utility quilts for beds or sofa throws – Medium loft cotton or cotton/poly blend provides durability to withstand frequent use and washing.
T-shirt quilts – Low loft 100% poly batting prevents bearding that can poke through T-shirt quilt blocks.
- Tips to Avoid Common Batting Problems
Where to Buy Quilt Batting
You can find a wide variety of batting options for your quilting projects at local fabric and craft stores. Quilt shop employees offer a wealth of expertise you can tap into while browsing potential choices in person. Independent quilt stores cater specifically to the needs of quilters so check if one exists in your area. Of course, online quilt and sewing supply retailers like Amazon and major fabric brands like Fairfield Processing Corporation also sell batting. Compare options across multiple sellers when possible. Some specialty hand dyers provide gorgeous custom-colored batting. Reach out to quilting guilds and groups on social media for referrals too.
Final Takeaways
With so many kinds of batting filling the shelves both online and at fabric outlets, selecting one for your next endeavor may seem daunting. Keep the ultimate use, care requirements, and style of quilt in mind as you weigh alternatives. Seek input from expert quilters in your community when available. Testing samples never hurts! While natural fiber battings like cotton and wool make excellent traditional choices, don’t rule out blends or synthetics like polyester from your consideration set. Each batting brings distinct properties to inform your decision. With a bit of thought and trial-and-error, you’ll discover the just-right pick to make your creative vision a quilted reality.
Type | Loft | Weight | Warmth | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cotton | Low | Medium | Medium | $$ |
Wool | High | Heavy | Very Warm | $$$ |
Polyester | Medium/High | Light | Warm | $ |
Silk | Low | Light | Cool | $$$ |
Bamboo | Medium | Light | Cool | $$ |
FAQ
What is quilt batting?
Quilt batting is the layer of insulation that goes between the quilt top and back to provide warmth, loft, and structure. It’s usually made of cotton, wool, or polyester fibers. The type of batting impacts the quilt‘s warmth, breathability, durability, and washability.
How much batting do I need?
As a general rule, buy 15-20% more batting than the measurements of your quilt top. The extra batting prevents pulling or stretching when you’re quilting or binding the edges.
What are the different types of batting?
- Cotton batting – natural fibers, breathable, durable, heavier weight
- Polyester batting – light weight, affordable, resistant to mildew and stains
- Wool batting – retains heat, durable yet soft, resilient when washed
- Bamboo batting – made from bamboo fibers, very breathable and moisture-wicking
- Silk batting – lightweight and warm, ideal for hand and machine quilting
How do I choose the right batting?
Consider factors like the quilt’s purpose, climate, washing needs, and your budget. For example, cotton and wool are great for warmth while polyester and bamboo make lightweight, allergy-friendly quilts. The fabric blend and thread count also impact the batting’s quality and performance.
Can I reuse leftover batting scraps?
Absolutely! Leftover batting pieces can be reused for smaller projects like pillows, stuffed animals, potholders or even pieced into a scrappy quilt back. Just be sure the fibers aren’t too stretched out from prior use.
How do I store batting?
Store batting in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Fold loosely or roll the batting to prevent creases. Put it in a plastic bin or bag to protect it from dust, bugs, and humidity. Leftover bits can be stuffed into old pillowcases.